India pays homage to Bhagat Singh on his birth anniversary

On September 28, 2020, India paid homage to Bhagat Singh on his birth anniversary. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

About Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh was an Indian Socialist revolutionary who shot 21-year old British Police officer John Saunders in Lahore.

Background

In 1928, Simon Commission was set up by the British Government. As no Indians were given membership in the commission, certain political parties boycotted the commission. To protest against the commission, Lala Lajpat Rai led a march. James Scott ordered lathi charge against the protest and Rai was injured badly. Later he died of heart attack. Doctors said that his death hastened due to the injuries.

Bhagat Singh was a prominent member of HSRA (Hindustan Socialist Republican Association). HSRA was founded by Chandrasekhar Azad. He vowed to avenge Rai’s death.

HSRA

In 1920, Non-Cooperation movement was launched against British rule. The movement was suspended by Gandhiji after Chauri Chaura incident. This created a political vacuum in the country. This, several movements arose all over India against British rule. One such strong was the HSRA. HSRA created two bomb factories. One of the bomb factories at Firozpur has been declared national monument by Government of Punjab.

Chauri Chaura incident

It took place in Gorakhpur. On February 4, 1922, a large group of protestors participating in the Non-Cooperation Movement clashed with police. The police opened fire and in return the protestors attacked the police station killing its occupants.

Simon Commission

The Simon Commission was set up under Government of India Act, 1919. The Commission was a group of seven MPs who were sent to India in 1928 to study and recommend constitutional reforms. It was headed by Sir John Simon.

The Commission recommended abolition of diarchy. Also, it recommended representative governments in the provinces. The commission led to Government of India Act, 1935.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2020